Top Medford Stories of 2012
Dalai Lama Makes Return Trip to Medford
The 14th Dalai Lama visited the Kurukulla Center for Tibetan Buddhist Studies in October. The visit, the second to the Medford center, was open to the public and was broadcast live online.
Ed Markey Announces Senate Bid
Longtime Democratic Congressman Edward Markey, a Malden native, is making his second run at the Senate following the expected resignation of Senator John Kerry, who is favored to become Secretary of State.
West Medford Little League Officials Charged with Larceny
Two former board members of the West Medford Hillside Little League are accused of allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from the league.
Medford Voters Support Obama, Warren
Nearly three quarters of Medford voters cast ballots on November 6 in the presidential election.
Tufts University Opens New Sports and Fitness Complex
Tufts opened a brand new athletic facility on College Avenue that was funded entirely by donations.
Winter Farmers Market Launches
Medford becomes one of few communities that boast an indoor winter farmers market.
Medford Schools Move to Enhance Security Following Newtown Tragedy
Many school districts, including Medford, are re-evaluating existing school safety plans following the horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.
Hormel Stadium Receives New Turf Field
Hormel Stadium received a major makeover in 2012- a new artificial turf field, scoreboard, and track.
Looking Ahead to 2013
– Fall election for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee
– Different football playoff structure
– Potential new member of the Greater Boston League
– Major speaker at Tufts University
– Stop and Shop opening in former Johnnies’ Salem Street location
I would include the following on a Top Stories list for Medford in 2012: Medford Housing Authority director Robert Covelle resigns and is fined for violating procurement laws; DPW yard is condemned and a temporary complex is created; Medford High headmaster Paul Krueger retires after 14 years on the job; City Council approves funding for science lab upgrades and swimming pool reconstruction at high school, but does not approve bonds for Brooks Estate and Governors Avenue parking garage; ground is broken on the Green Line Extension to Medford; Medford High fires head football coach Rico Dello Iacona three games into the season; Bestsellers Café reopens in Medford Square after 51/2 years of building construction, Carroll’s Restaurant opens in Medford Square, and Circle the Square debuts; Andre Chiefs win first Inter-City League baseball championship since 1997.
Also: Tufts field hockey team wins the school’s first women’s team national championship; Springstep announces that its Medford Square building is for sale.